Law and Policy

Law and Policy This photo shows Wisconsin residents Brandon Nelson, left, and Abram Markofski, right, inside the US Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection. They both pleaded guilty to charges related to the attack on the Capitol and were sentenced to 24 months of probation. (Photo via US Department of Justice)
Law and Policy Wisconsinites Charged in Jan. 6 Insurrection Quietly Take Plea Deals

Four of six Wisconsin men charged in attack on nation's Capitol have pleaded guilty to lesser charges, while two others' cases are still moving through the court system.

Christina Lieffring Christina Lieffring January 4, 2022 3:15 pm CST
Law and Policy A sexual assault evidence collection kit.
Law and Policy Evers Signs Two Bills Aimed at Preventing Another Rape Kit Backlog

The bipartisan bills will establish new guidelines to help sexual assault victims see justice sooner.

Christina Lieffring Christina Lieffring December 7, 2021 4:09 pm CST
Law and Policy Kyle Rittenhouse, center, looks over to his attorneys as the jury is dismissed for the day during his trial at the Kenosha County Courthouse in Kenosha, Wis., on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021. (Sean Krajacic/The Kenosha News via AP, Pool)
Law and Policy Rittenhouse Found Not Guilty of All Charges in Protester Killings

Many react with disappointment, but not surprise, after a jury acquits the out-of-state teen who killed two people and injured a third.

Christina Lieffring Christina Lieffring November 19, 2021 2:03 pm CST
Law and Policy GOP Proposed maps - October 2021
Law and Policy Proposed GOP Maps Would End Evers’ Ability to Veto Any of Their Bills

Gov. Evers: “Republicans will have to do better than this if they expect me to sign either of these bills—they need to go back to the drawing board.”

Christina Lieffring Christina Lieffring October 21, 2021 6:40 pm CDT
Law and Policy Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) holds a press conference on April 13 where he demands Gov. Tony Evers accept severe restrictions on local health officials, schools, and the governor himself in exchange for tens of millions of dollars in federal supplemental COVID food aid. (Image via Wisconsin Eye.)
Law and Policy GOP Approves Resolution That Tries to Lock in Gerrymandering for Another Decade

The resolution declares it “the public policy of the state” that electoral maps change as little as possible.

Christina Lieffring Christina Lieffring September 29, 2021 2:12 pm CDT

continuing coverage

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks in Milwaukee about the Biden administration's lead pipe and paint remediation efforts. (Screenshot via C-SPAN) Infrastructure ‘Moral Imperative’: Harris Talks Lead Remediation in Milwaukee
Senate President Chris Kapenga (R-Delafield) speaks during a press conference unveiling a Republican legislative package that would make it harder to access unemployment benefits and BadgerCare. GOP lawmakers claimed the bills will help address the worker shortage. (Screenshot via WisEye) Economy Public Assistance Would Be Harder to Access Under GOP Bills
Graphic via Desirée Tapia Healthcare Health Insurance Sign-Ups Hit New Record in Wisconsin During Biden’s First Year
State Capitol dome interior Elections Years After Stripping the Office of Its Powers, GOP Sees Secretary of State as Key to Controlling Elections
Law and Policy Defund Police on MLK Drive in Madison. (Photo by Eric Tadsen)
Law and Policy Who’s Really ‘Defunding the Police’? GOP-Authored Funding Rules.

Declining state aid under Scott Walker left municipalities with tough budget decisions. Police departments have faced cuts.

Christina Lieffring Christina Lieffring August 20, 2021 2:00 pm CDT
Law and Policy A police officer draws a gun
Law and Policy ‘More Work Left’: First Police Reform Bills Pass, but Some Push for More

Evers says he’ll sign the bills, but he, legislative Democrats, and organizers say the state needs deeper reforms.

Christina Lieffring Christina Lieffring June 21, 2021 2:18 pm CDT